I know I have made some of you wait a long time since I published chapter 40. It’s been a hectic month indeed. In fact, I got snowed in on Sunday, and I couldn’t do what I had planned to do. As a result, I had extra free time to write, so I decided to publish a shorter chapter. 😛
Hence, it’s all the more encouraging to read your eager feedback. I was also surprised and overwhelmed by the number of unique visitors to my new chapter within a day. Here, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to all of you who have read my chapter already. Just so you know, after publishing it, I found some loopholes, and I revised the chapter the next day. Not much have changed though, and the plot remained the same.
Once again, this is in response to the reviews on fanfiction.net as of today. I hope I haven’t missed anyone. If I have, please give me a shout. Also, if you don’t want spoilers, please do not read the followings. Thank you. 😀
First off, when I considered how to name this chapter, I thought of using “confrontation”, which includes meanings such as “an open conflict of opposing ideas” and “a meeting of persons face to face”.
However, I came across an even more appropriate word later, “showdown”. By definition (from a dictionary), it means
“A decisive confrontation between opposing parties to settle a dispute; a revelation of facts and other information, usually in hopes of resolving an issue. In poker, a showdown is the laying down of one’s cards, face up, to determine the winner of that hand. Showdown has assumed its figurative implications by extension.”
In a sense, it implies both “a moment of truth” and “crisis”. Albert was going to reveal his identity this chapter. Neil wasn’t the only rival because Aunt Elroy was also the obstacle.
I don’t know if any of you were disappointed that Albert didn’t beat Neil up. To me, Albert was not a violent person even though he could really fight (after all, he saved Terry from gangsters without injuring himself), so I don’t want him to use too much brute force either.
Also, some of you thought this is the end, but you probably know me by now. 😉 Being so busy in real life, it’s very tempting to give a predictable ending, like everything can be resolved effortlessly. For example, Aunt Elroy suddenly softened and gave them her blessings right away. Yeah, right. I’ve put so much effort into writing this story already, and I certainly won’t forgive myself for wrapping it up abruptly. Please bear with me, and yes, the story is going to end, but not next chapter yet. 😛
genesis05, purifiedsoul, mysticalheiress: As far as I remember, I haven’t yet “met” you. Thank you for reading!
Patty Castillo: Muchas gracias por leer! Thank you for finishing this long story in such a short time!! Appreciate your support!
sayuri1707: Muchas gracias por leer! I know it is short, and I’ll try my best to start writing next chapter again!
pauline lia: Thank you for your understanding!
StormIsQueen: Yes, she is, and he will not let her go again.
lhbarba: Thank you for being honest, and I understand what you meant. Your review actually touched my heart because you really cared about the characters in the story. Thank you so much, my friend, for reading it twice! 😀
lcolina: Hi Lesli, thank you very much for your kind words, and I’m so glad you also like my drawings! I write and draw to escape from reality, and thanks for re-reading this long story! Glad you don’t mind the suspense! 😛
Albertcraze: I know I am… also for leaving another cliffhanger. 😉
Lissette LN: Muchas gracias por leer! Thank you for reading this despite having a hard time understanding English. This is very encouraging, and thank you for your support!!
Paolau2: Thanks for reading, and I hope you will find the real ending more satisfying, my friend! You have a nice week too!
CandyFan72: Thanks for your eager response, and I won’t respond to your various speculations. Please be patient and see how the story unfolds. Thanks again!
MK: Thank you for your big encouragement, and I’m happy that you enjoyed my descriptions of various scenes. About Candy, you will read in next chapter. 😉
Guest: You’re not the only one who is anxious, and yes some people call me the Queen of cliffhangers… LOL.
nngdl: Thanks!
Guest: Muchas gracias por leer! You will read more about Candy next chapter!
Flor Fritzenwald: Muchas gracias por leer! I’m so glad you like my short chapter, and I hope I won’t take this long for next chapter! 🙂
Guest: Thank you for your review, and thanks for your private message to encourage me as well!
sighnos: I know you’ve been waiting for this chapter, and you’re not the only one complaining. 😛 I hope you like this chapter though. I’ll start writing soon.
Albertsen: Thank you!
Angie: You’re so right about them. They are all guilty, especially Aunt Elroy. I agree. Thanks for reading!
quevivacandy: On purpose? Yes I think I did, or else you have to wait another week or longer if I didn’t stop right here. 😀 So what did you do to your mouth, my friend? LOL… So glad to know you like how I “treated” Neil… hee hee hee. I hope this time you don’t have to wait another month? Keeping my fingers crossed… 😛 Thanks again for your encouragement!
CKati: HEA? They will, but not yet, my friend! 🙂 You will see what happens to the Leagans in the following chapters, and poor Candy and Albert, I agree. I’m the mean writer who made them suffer… LOL. No, really, you will see what I have in mind for them. Thank you so much for your continued support! 😀